Carbimazole
Introduction To Carbimazole
Carbimazole belongs to a group of medicine called anti-thyroid agents. It is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It reduces the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Carbimazole may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It can be taken with or without food. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and how often you should take them. You should take this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking the medicine even if you feel better unless the doctor tells you so.
Taking this medicine may cause some common side effects such as nausea, headache, joint pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rashes, and itching. Let your doctor know if any of these do not go away with time or worse.
Before using this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your liver or kidneys. You should also tell your doctor all the other medications you are taking. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctors before using the medicine.
Uses of Carbimazole
- Hyperthyroidism
Benefits of Carbimazole
Hyperthyroidism
Carbimazole reduces the amount of thyroid hormone in your body and also helps
relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These include palpitations, feeling
anxious, sweaty or shaky, and being intolerant to heat. This will help you
have a better quality of life. Keep taking it as advised by the doctor to get
maximum benefit.
Side effects of Carbimazole
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Thyrosim
- Nausea
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Gastrointestinal disturbance
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
How to use Carbimazole
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Carbimazole may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Carbimazole works
Carbimazole is an anti-thyroid medication. It works by reducing the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Quick tips
- Carbimazole is used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
- You may have to stop taking it for a while if you are also taking radio-iodine as a treatment for your overactive thyroid.
- It may affect the level of blood cells in your blood. Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, or general illness.
- Stop taking Carbimazole and Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver damage such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Carbimazole if I’m pregnant?
Carbimazole is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Carbimazole if I’m breastfeeding?
Carbimazole is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Carbimazole safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Carbimazole. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Carbimazole?
Carbimazole may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Carbimazole if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Carbimazole in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Carbimazole if I have/had liver diseases?
Carbimazole should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Carbimazole may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop any signs and symptoms of jaundice while taking this medicine. Use of Carbimazole is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I just stop taking Carbimazole?
No, you should not stop taking Carbimazole even if you start feeling better. You may have to take it for several months depending on your investigations. The duration of the treatment will continue till the thyroid hormone levels return to normal. This duration may vary from six months to 18 months. Your doctor will decide when the treatment should be stopped.
Q. How long does Carbimazole take to work?
You may start feeling better within 1-3 weeks of starting Carbimazole. However, it usually takes 4-8 weeks to see the full benefits of the treatment.
Q. Can Carbimazole cause hair loss?
Carbimazole may cause hair loss but not in everyone. It has been seen that on discontinuing Carbimazole or replacing Carbimazole with another medicine, there is improvement, and hair loss reverses.
Q. Who should not take Carbimazole?
You should not take Carbimazole if you have serious liver disorder or serious blood disorder. You should also avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant or are allergic to Carbimazole or any of the ingredients present in it Carbimazole. Q. Q. My sister is taking Carbimazole for overactive thyroid gland. She frequently gets sore throat and stops and restarts the treatment again and again. Is there any risk if she continues to take Carbimazole when she has sore throat? Very rarely, Carbimazole interferes with the bone marrow and causes a drastic drop in white blood cells. These white blood cells are a part of the body's defense against bacterial infections, such as sore throats. So, a sore throat can sometimes be the first clue that Carbimazole is affecting the bone marrow. Your sister should contact her doctor and get a blood test. If a blood test shows her white blood cell count to be normal, then she can continue Carbimazole. If not, she should stop the treatment after consulting the doctor.
Q. How does Carbimazole affect children?
The effectiveness and side effects of Carbimazole in children are more or less the same as in adults. Carbimazole should not be used in children less than 2 years of age.
Q. I have been taking warfarin, so will it have any effect on Carbimazole therapy?
If you have started taking Carbimazole, the dose of warfarin may need adjustment. You should consult your doctor and get your bleeding time checked so that the dose can be adjusted according to the results of the investigations.
Q. Even if my liver is normal, can Carbimazole cause any liver problems?
Yes, Carbimazole may cause liver problems, though not in everyone. A very common side effect of Carbimazole can be the yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice). It may also cause abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis, etc. If you notice jaundice, you should discontinue Carbimazole and seek immediate medical advice.
Q. If I am planning my pregnancy, can I continue taking Carbimazole?
No, it is advisable not to take Carbimazole during pregnancy as it may cause abnormalities in your baby. You should consult your doctor because if your thyroid hormone levels are not controlled, the chances of birth defects in your baby are much more. In case Carbimazole is the only option for you, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose, which will be regulated according to your condition. You can stop it 3-4 weeks before delivery to reduce the chances of complications in your baby.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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